Bar diversity scheme reaches 50 partners

Hardwicke Chambers and Three Raymond Buildings are the latest to join the Pegasus Access Scheme (PAS), which was launched with 43 partners in March 2012.

At the time of the launch, chair of the Inner Temple Outreach Committee James Dingemans QC said: “No one institution can address all of the issues surrounding social mobility and access to the professions, but everyone has a responsibility to do what can be done to break down any potential barriers to entry.”

The Inner Temple has also confirmed that a few other sets are due to become members imminently.

PAS gives candidates from underrepresented backgrounds the opportunity to take part in a range of mini pupillages.

The criteria for the scheme includes the requirements for the candidate to have attended a state school, to be in the first generation of their family to go into higher education, and to have been eligible for free school meals.

The news follows the creation of the first profession-wide social mobility initiative Prime, which now boasts almost 75 law firm signatories (14 September 2011).

The first round of PAS applications closed last week, but a second round will open in September 2012.